He covers me with His protection and I am safe here beneath the shadow of His wing. I don’t want to see the world right now and I turn my face into His soft down, desiring to hide my eyes. I feel His hand touch beneath my chin to bring my face back around.

“Daughter I am your refuge, but I have opened your eyes because you see with a heart of love. The things you see hurt you because they hurt me. You must see them so that I can teach you how I want you to pray.”

Tears run down my cheeks as I realize the depth of pain in my Father’s heart for those He loves. I must choose to keep my eyes open for my Father.

Ps 91:2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.”

In the night we dream of better things. In our awakened state the reality of life can be less than we had hoped. We disappoint ourselves and we let others down in the crush of expectations. I sat in the sunshine enjoying the scent of lilies. Looking at creation’s beauty I wondered why nature’s life could be so beautiful and we as people not so much? A desire to be beautiful was in my heart. I had to give it time.

Phil 1:6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

I heard his voice gently calling to me. Opening my eyes, I could see my husband beckoning me to come to bed. I had drifted off at some point in the evening while I lay reading on the couch. He takes my hand and leads me, tucking me under the covers beside him. Soon I hear his breathing relax and I know he is now sleeping peacefully.

Laying beside him I reach out to touch his hair, careful not to wake him. My heart feels so full to know he wants me near. I draw closer, putting my ear upon his chest. I want to hear more of this man.

Who is the man before me?

Father….will he hold my hand, will he comfort me when I am afraid, will he help in my time of need?

Brother…will he hold my hand, will he comfort me when I am afraid, will he help in my time of need?

Husband… will he hold my hand, will he comfort me when I am afraid, will he help in my time of need?

Son…. will he hold my hand, will he comfort me when I am afraid, will he help in my time of need?

Who is the man?

Do our expectations change with the man?

Isn’t it time we raise our eyes from the man to our God above?

I’m not one to be pulled into the arena of public debate these days, but I can understand the nature of people being absorbed by politics. Choosing leadership is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. Our country was established on ideals the founding fathers believed; that God is both supreme and just. (Ever give a thought to why the highest court in our land one can appeal to is called the Supreme Court where there are appointed servants of justice?). A simple glance at our bill of rights or even the symbols stamped upon our court systems give us an indication of our historic foundations.

When we are given the opportunity to vote for those who serve in public offices we should consider carefully what we are asking for. To not vote at all is tantamount to saying, “I will go along with whatever the world decides”. We must remember a truth from 1 Peter 2:13-16 For the Lord’s sake, respect all human authority-whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right. It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. In light of this word we must realize that our obedience to God is in obeying those who hold the public offices. The caveat for our nation, however, is that we participate to elect them.

I have met many who become quite embittered by current servants in public offices. Although their grievances may have merit they forget another important instruction. 1 Tim 2:1-2 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

Public debate today is pretty polished to sway many who like promises and words of comfort. We must look deeper to seek the heart of the man standing before us. This discernment can only come from spending time in God’s presence with prayer.

I don’t know what it is that makes me love you so

We love Him because He first loved us

I only know I never wanna let you go

I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand

‘Cos you started somethin’, oh, can’t you see

He who has begun a good work in you will complete it

That ever since we met you’ve had a hold on me

Draw me after You; let us run

It happens to be true, I only want to be with you

Run to me, dear lover

It doesn’t matter where you go and what you do

I wanna spend each moment of the day with you

Oh look what has happened with just one kiss

Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth! For Your love is better than wine;

I never knew that I could be in love like this

It’s crazy, but it’s true, I only want to be with you

You stopped and smiled at me, asked if I’d care to dance

I fell into your open arms and I didn’t stand a chance

His left hand is under my head, and His right hand embraces me

Now listen honey, I just wanna be beside you everywhere

As long as we’re together honey, I don’t care

‘Cos you started somethin’, oh can’t you see

I will allure her…and speak comfort to her

That ever since we met you’ve had a hold on me

No matter what you do, I only want to be with you

I said I only want to be with you

I will betroth you to Me forever

** The Word

Come fill me again, oh love

Come make me your friend, oh love

I want your comfort, oh love

I need your strength, oh love

Have mercy on me, oh love

Help me be free, oh love

Oh love, I need you

Oh love, I want you

Oh love

He looked at me with love, reaching out His hand. He desired me to take up His invitation to draw near. His eyes were like fire, warm and inviting me into a depth of understanding I had not known. Willingly I put my hand into His and let Him pull me into Himself. He wrapped around me a love without description. Like a child, I curled up inside the very chambers of His heart.

Son 1:4 Draw me away! We will run after you. The king has brought me into his chambers. We will be glad and rejoice in you. We will remember your love more than wine. Rightly do they love you.

He stood alone among people he did not know. What brought him here was desperation. He was cold. He was lost. He was hungry. He wondered if his lot in life was to die in the streets as an unknown corpse. He felt lost in this crowd. He wondered if God were real?

The music began and he watched as many around him sang songs he did not know. He didn’t feel like singing. He felt like dying. Others around him stood and raised their arms in enjoyment. He stood only because he felt like it was expected and he didn’t want to be kicked out of the warm building.

The melodies warmed his heart and he remembered how much he enjoyed singing as a child. He sat down and closed his eyes to just listen. His mind faded back into memories of the past. He remembered the songs of his childhood sung in a place much like this, where people were happy to see him. They hugged and loved on him, but that was long ago.

With his eyes closed, he felt a hand upon his shoulder and just as quickly, one upon his knee. He wanted to open his eyes to see who was touching him, but it was enough to be touched in love. More followed and he was sure he felt half a dozen hands upon him, hearing just as many voices speaking good things about him. His heart swelled in encouragement to remember how much he was loved. An exotic fragrance came to his nostrils and he opened his eyes thinking this to be perfume and he wanted to know who wore it.

Looking around he saw no one touching him. Everyone was singing their beautiful songs and all had their hands raised in enjoyment. He realized he had been touched by heaven and cried in sobs, not caring who saw or who was near. Within moments he felt the touch of hands. Opening his eyes this time, he realized these were the hands of those who had been singing around him. People touched him and he felt their love.

A couple whispered into his ear, “brother, we will get you help”.